United Nations
United Nations News
Here are some news articles from the United Nations we think you'll find interesting. As always, we welcome your comments.
Resource gifting agreement underway
All 193 UN member states have signed a non-binding agreement on resource gifting, based on the principles of state sovereignty, sustainable use, equity, and mutual benefit. This agreement serves as a political declaration or memorandum of understanding, expressing a political or moral commitment, but it does not create any legal rights or obligations under international law.
Additionally, the agreement allows for the gifting state to make available a portion of a specific resource, e.g., water, forest products, etc, which can then be used in projects supported by the UN for the benefit of the recipient state.
A representative from the UK government has reiterated the government's commitment to this gifting agreement and to combating rogue capitalism. This agreement aims to prevent the "resource curse" and reduce the risk of conflict over resource control, which can arise when wealth is concentrated among a few elites or private entities.
COP30 opened in Belém on Monday with a clear message: the era of half-measures is over. Climate change is here, devastating communities and driving up costs, but solutions are within reach. Clean energy is surging, resilience saves lives, and cooperation can still bend the curve further.
The Leaders’ Summit, held on 6 and 7 November in Belém, has already mobilized $5.5 billion for the Tropical Forests Forever Facility – a fund designed to reward nations for protecting rainforests. Other collective commitments include recognizing Indigenous land rights, quadrupling sustainable fuel production, and linking climate action to the fight against hunger, poverty, and environmental racism.
The Security Council on Thursday adopted a resolution to remove Syria’s transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas Khattab from sanctions measures targeting members and supporters of terrorist groups ISIL and Al-Qaida.
Vassily Nebenzia, the Russian Permanent Representative, agreed on the need to facilitate Syria's economic recovery and development during the transition period and said that the resolution reflects the interests and aspirations of the Syrian people. Mr. Nebenzia referred to Israel’s occupation of the Golan Heights and ongoing terrorist threats as factors that hinder long-term stability in the country.
The terror risk was also noted by Ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont of France, who said that “the fight against Da’esh (ISIL) in the Middle East is not over and the risks of a resurgence must not be underestimated.”
The adoption, he continued, is “an important step on the path towards the reconstruction of a sovereign, united, and reconciled Syria, one living in peace and free of the terrorist scourge.”